Havas PR donating $400K to mark 40 years

New York–based Havas PR North America will mark its 40th anniversary with “$400K for 40,” a pledge to donate $400,000 worth of hours in support of worthwhile organizations during the period of March 1, 2016, to March 1, 2017.

Havas PR, founded on March 1, 1976, as Creamer Dickson Basford (CDB), continues to root its work in community and culture. In honor of this historic anniversary, each Havas PR North America office will provide pro bono services to organizations in its home city or region.

The full list is still being formed, but initially the New York office will work with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Phoenix-based team will collaborate with Tucson Values Teachers and the group in Pittsburgh will work with New Sun Rising and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, among others.

“Even considering our long and storied history, there’s no denying that this is a landmark year in an extremely exciting time for Havas PR,” said Marian Salzman, CEO, Havas PR North America. “Now, on the day of our 40th birthday, we’re so proud to lean in to our charitable culture with our pledge of ‘$400K for 40’—and I’m excited to engage this group in the initiative, knowing that every member of the Havas PR North America team will throw themselves into the efforts wholeheartedly.”

In its 40-year history, some truly exceptional public relations professionals have been part of CDB, which over the years segued to Kratz & Jensen, Magnet, Euro RSCG Worldwide, and finally to Havas PR.

It has been the home of many public relations firsts and innovations, including Salzman’s popularization of the “metrosexual man” more than a decade ago; and the agency’s long-held belief that “Local is the new global,” preceding the popular notion of global community by years.

As Havas PR North America, the group will mark the major milestone with several initiatives that give a fond nod to its past while looking to the future. Salzman and the Havas PR team will author a book, Agile Public Relations, scheduled to debut before Christmas from AMACOM.

Salzman will also serve as judge for PR industry awards the One Show and as jury chair for D&AD for one of the Havas founders, Jacques Séguéla, this spring.